Perceptions of Evidence in the Veterinary Medicine of Pets

Veterinary medicine for small domestic animals (SDA) in Russia began its development in the 1990s and is currently undergoing professional formation, engaging in a dialogue with traditional agricultural veterinary medicine. Over the last decade, the evidence-based approach has been actively developing as a foundation for making informed decisions in various aspects of professional practice. SDA veterinary medicine, as a relatively young and emerging professional field within the conservative profession of veterinary medicine, is facing a legitimacy crisis. This crisis is related to the lack of specialized education in the pathology of dogs and cats, as well as the absence of treatment protocols for SDA approved by the professional community and the state. The evidence-based approach is the foundation of modern medicine and serves as a method of legitimizing SDA veterinary practice. It addresses the needs of the primary stakeholders: colleagues, government regulators in case of disputes, and animal owners as service consumers.